If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, you might have come across this dish while you are dining at a Vietnamese restaurant. At one glance, it even looks like our very own Mee Bandung but the Bun Mang Ga has a speciality of its own and is definitely a dish that will satisfy your cravings.
For those of you who are looking for a fresh new recipe to cook at home for the family to eat or to entertain your friends, definitely try making this Bun Mang Ga as it is an easy dish with complex flavours, perfect for entertaining.
What is the Bun Mang Ga Thick Bihun Chicken Soup
This Vietnamese noodle dish is unique because it uses Bamboo shoots as part of its ingredients. It also uses different kinds of mushrooms like Shiitake and Wood Ear Mushrooms giving the dish a well-rounded earthy flavour. The Chicken, the main ingredient of this dish is usually cooked in a quarter (typically served with the chicken thighs), making the dish not only flavourful but well-balanced.
Some people prefer the dish with a mild level of spiciness but the spice level can be altered to suit everyone’s spice tolerance.
The Story Behind Bun Mang Ga Thick Bihun Chicken Soup
The name might not be as popular as the Pho or the Banh Mi but the Bun Mang Ga is another Vietnamese favourite. The word Bun refers to the thick bihun or the rounded white noodle. The word Mang refers to the bamboo shoot and the word Ga refers to the Chicken. While chicken is one of the easiest ways to prepare this dish, the Bun Mang Ga is also often prepared using duck and pork hocks (Bun Mang Vit and Bun Mang Gio) although the reason why chicken is usually preferred is because of its cheaper price.
Traditionally, this dish is often prepared in advance and offered guests during special events such as weddings, lunar new year and funerals. There is also a special way to prepare the bamboo shoots to make sure it is soft while the mushrooms are typically added in to give the contrast of colour to the dish, making it more pleasant to the eye of the guests.
Today, you can find the Bun Mang Ga in almost every traditional Vietnamese restaurant and some might even serve it with duck leg.
Nutritional Content
One of the unique ingredients of the Bun Mang Ga, the bamboo shoots can actually help with several health problems including weight loss, improving the loss of appetite and curing cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer. It is also said to contain antibacterial and antiviral property, making it the perfect dish for those who are feeling a little under the weather.
Mushrooms, on the other hand, are loaded with antioxidants that can help optimise our body function and cell regeneration. Mushrooms can also support a healthy immune system and tissue repair.
Where to Get in Malaysia
Ready to try the complex flavours from the Bun Mung Ga? Make your way to Saigon House Cuisine located in Georgetown, Penang where they offer Bun Mung Ga for only RM16.50. You can also try the An Viet located in the Gardens Mall KL for a taste of Vietnamese flavours.
If you want to look for more Vietnamese dishes without having to leave the comfort of your own home, download the foodpanda app and make your order using the app instead. It’s easy and hassle-free.